Meaning & use
needle cases
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“needle cases” is a form of “needle case”.
Meaning
nounplural
Small holders, often tubes or folded pouches, used to keep sewing needles safe and together.
Grammar: Plural of needle case: one needle case, two needle cases.
Patterns
- needle cases for something
The antique shop sold silver needle cases from the 1800s.
She makes felt needle cases as gifts for friends who sew.
Needle cases keep sharp points from poking through your sewing bag.
Common combinations
- felt needle cases
- Felt needle cases are simple to sew by hand.
- antique needle cases
- Antique needle cases often have decorated lids.
- sewing needle cases
- Sewing needle cases fit easily inside a travel kit.
- make needle cases
- The class will make needle cases from scraps of fabric.
- leather needle cases
- Leather needle cases last for many years.
Synonyms and how they differ
- needle books
- Needle books have fabric pages that hold needles pushed through them, while needle cases enclose them.
- pin cushions
- Pin cushions hold pins in a soft pad and leave them exposed, so they protect less.
- sewing kits
- Sewing kits are larger sets that include thread, scissors and more, not just something for needles.
Word family
Commonly confused: needle cases or needles cases?
needle cases vs needles cases
This is not standard. Use needle cases, with needle in the singular, because it works like an adjective.
Practice
Grandma keeps her sewing needles safe in small ___.
Choose one answer.
Needle cases are made to hold sewing needles. The other options are containers or tools for different things.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “needle cases”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.